Master plan

A high quality urban complex

The ambition of the Kanaal Project is to transform the current
single-function site into a high quality urban complex for mixed living and working, supported
by some additional facilities.

Relationship with the environment

Besides the internal added value, the project also seeks to
reinforce the relationship of the Kanaal Site with the environment
. Three surrounding spatial structures are decisive in this
respect:

The contradiction between the constant swell and the peace of
the Albert canal, within its straight banks.

The green Schijn valley that connects Antwerp with its
outskirts

And the residential area with villas, hidden between the
rich woods which surround the site

Through improved accessibility and renewed contact with the
water, the site will become a development centre for living
and working and provide added value for the neighbouring
residential area.

Stratification over time

The iconic historical and industrial character of the site and
the powerful, strange typology of the buildings, form the project
guidelines for further development of the site. The positive
characteristics are enhanced, the negative ones removed. By means
of contemporary architecture, the new transformations and additions
carry on the stratification over time.

From vision to realisation

The urban development plan, designed by Jens Aerts , is
a strong framework for the proposed spatial and functional
development of the site. It indicates the subprojects and defines
the shells for the buildings and the various outdoor spaces. To
work out the plan in a high quality manner, architecturally
speaking, three renowned architects were selected plus one
landscape architect for the outdoor space.